Auricular thermoregulation system for appetite suppression

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system to stimulate at least a part of the vestibular system of a patient to induce a sensation of anorexia to promote weight loss. The system can include a thermal element, a power source, a conduit, and a control unit configured to regulate the temperature of the thermal element, the duration in which the thermal element is applied, the duration in between thermal stimuli, and / or the number of stimulus cycles to promote a sensation of anorexia in a patient while avoiding or minimizing undesirable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, or vertigo. Methods of using the system are also disclosed.

Description

[0001]The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 020,627, entitled “Auricular Thermoregulation System for Appetite Suppression,” filed Jan. 11, 2008. The entire disclosure of the priority application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present application pertains to methods and apparatuses for stimulating the vestibular system. More particularly, the application pertains to caloric stimulation of the vestibular system to induce a state of anorexia, or appetite suppression, as a technique for weight loss and management.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]It is well known that achieving and maintaining a desired weight is highly sought out by a significant proportion of the population. To assist people in managing their weight, a variety of approaches have been utilized for both medical and personal reasons, inc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In some embodiments, a control unit is used to modulate the amount of heat being emitted from the resistor. The control unit can also be used to control the amount of heat released in different time periods, and therefore produce an intermittent thermal differential. This can prevent possible desensitization and loss of response due to over stimulation of the vestibular apparatus.

Problems solved by technology

Such dietary regimens may be costly and result in variable patient compliance.

Many of these diets are also simply ineffective.

The magnitude of weight loss is modest, however, and the long-term health benefits remain unclear.

Drugs for weight control can have serious side effects.

For example, malabsorptive agents such as orlistat may cause frequent, spotting bowel movements, oily stools, stomach pain, flatulence, and gastrointestinal upset.

A similar medication, designed for patients with Type 2 diabetes, is Acarbose which partially blocks absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine, and produces similar side effects including stomach pain, and flatulence.

Anorectic agents, such as sibutramine may increase blood pressure and may cause dry mouth, constipation, headache, and insomnia.

Drawbacks of Byetta include that it must be injected twice daily, and that it causes severe nausea in some patients, especially when therapy is initiated.

Symlin also requires injection, which patients may perceive as undesirable.

Other weight loss drugs have also been associated with medical complications, such as fatal pulmonary hypertension and heart valve damage due to Redux and Fen-phen, and hemorrhagic stroke due to phenylpropanolamine.

In general, stimulants carry a risk of high blood pressure, faster heart rate, palpitations, closed-angle glaucoma, drug addiction, restlessness, agitation, and insomnia.

Such surgical procedures are invasive and have a high incidence of morbidity as well as mortality.

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